Uber & Lyft - What if there's an accident?

By
Tabor Law Firm
|December 16, 2015

There is no doubt that apps like Uber and Lyft are helpful, but what if you're in an accident?

Until recently, if you needed a ride somewhere but weren't on a public transportation route, and couldn't convince a friend or relative to drive you, you called a cab. Rideshare apps that connect users in need of rides with those willing to provide them have become a competitively priced alternate source of transportation.

The good news is that if you are a rider, you should be covered in the case of an accident; and, depending on the circumstances of the accident, more than one type of insurance may apply. However, if you've considered making some extra money by becoming a driver for a rideshare service, you may want to reconsider or at least wait until better regulations come into play and insurance gaps are covered.

Rideshare: Who is covered?

Rideshare divers have personal insurance, but once the vehicle is being used for commercial use -picking up a passenger, driving the passenger, driving the vehicle back to where it started - private insurance may no longer provide coverage. Instead, rideshare companies provide large excess liability policies to cover damages if an accident is their driver's fault. Typically, that coverage is only good when a passenger is in the car and only covers damage and injuries to passengers, and other parties and their property. The driver is responsible for damage to his or her vehicle if they're in an accident that is their own fault. Plus, there is a gray area when drivers are driving to a rider and then returning to wherever they started from.

Insurance Coverage For Uber, Lyft & Sidecar Passengers

Even if you don't think you have been injured in an accident, get insurance information from all parties involved and file a police report of the accident.

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